In the world of gaming, portability has become a key factor for gamers who want to enjoy their favorite titles wherever they go. Handheld gaming consoles have been at the forefront of this gaming revolution, offering immersive experiences in a compact and portable package. As we step into 2023, it’s time to explore the top contenders in the handheld gaming console market that are sure to delight gamers of all ages and preferences.
From sleek designs to powerful hardware and a vast library of games, these handheld consoles are redefining the way we play. Whether you’re a casual gamer seeking entertainment during your daily commute or a dedicated gaming enthusiast looking to experience the latest AAA titles on the go, these handheld gaming consoles have got you covered.
Number 1. Valve Steam Deck
The Steam Deck is a handheld gaming PC developed by Valve. It was announced in July 2021 and began shipping in February 2022. The Steam Deck is designed to play games from the Steam library, and it can also be used for other tasks such as browsing the web, watching videos, and writing documents.
The Steam Deck is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 4800U processor and has up to 512GB of storage. It has a 7-inch, 1280×800 touchscreen display and a 3.5mm headphone jack. The Steam Deck also has two thumbsticks, a D-pad, four face buttons, two shoulder buttons, and two grip buttons.
The Steam Deck is available in three models: 64GB, 256GB, and 512GB. The 64GB model costs $399, the 256GB model costs $529, and the 512GB model costs $649.
The Steam Deck has been praised for its performance, its portability, and its large library of games. However, it has also been criticized for its high price and its lack of a built-in display.
Overall, the Steam Deck is a powerful and versatile handheld gaming PC.
Number 2. Nintendo Switch
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid video game console developed by Nintendo and released worldwide in most regions on March 3, 2017. The console itself is a tablet that can either be docked for home console use or used as a portable device, making it a hybrid console. Its wireless Joy-Con controllers, with standard buttons and directional analog sticks for user input, motion sensing, and tactile feedback, can attach to both sides of the console to support handheld-style play.
The Switch has been a commercial success, selling over 100 million units as of March 2023. It has been praised for its versatility, portability, and strong library of games. However, it has also been criticized for its high price point and lack of backwards compatibility with Wii U games.
The Switch has a wide variety of games available, including first-party titles such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, as well as third-party titles such as The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Doom Eternal, and Fortnite. The console also supports a variety of online features, such as online multiplayer, cloud saves, and a subscription service called Nintendo Switch Online.
The Nintendo Switch is a great choice for gamers who want a versatile console that they can use at home or on the go. It has a strong library of games, a variety of online features, and a comfortable design. If you’re looking for a new video game console, the Nintendo Switch is definitely worth considering.
Number 3. Ayaneo 2
The Ayaneo 2 is a handheld gaming PC developed by Ayaneo and released in December 2022. The console uses a Zen 3 processor and can play PC games on the Windows 11 operating system. It competes against Valve’s Steam Deck.
The Ayaneo 2 has a 7-inch, 1200p IPS display with a 60Hz refresh rate. It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 6800U processor with Radeon 680M graphics. The console has 16GB of LPDDR5 RAM and up to 2TB of PCIe 4.0 SSD storage. It also has a 50.25Wh lithium-ion battery that provides up to 6 hours of gaming time.
The Ayaneo 2 is a great choice for gamers who want a powerful and portable gaming PC. It is also a good option for gamers who want to play games that are not available on the Steam Deck.
